6-Day Ultimate Vietnam Adventure: From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan

Enjoy authentic northern Vietnamese Pho, a staple breakfast to kick off your culinary adventure in Hanoi. The restaurant opens at 7:00am.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple, a peaceful spot rich with local history and culture.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Old Quarter on foot

Wander the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where you can shop for souvenirs and experience the lively street market atmosphere.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous Bun Cha, a Hanoi specialty of grilled pork served with noodles, popularized by President Obama’s visit. Open daily from 10am to 10pm.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam’s first national university built in 1070, surrounded by tranquil gardens and traditional architecture.
VND30000, 1h30m

4:30pm

Visit the Hanoi Opera House exterior and nearby French colonial buildings

Admire French colonial architecture and take photos outside the iconic Hanoi Opera House.
Free, 30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Enjoy Hanoi’s unique grilled fish dish served with turmeric and dill, a must-try local delicacy. Open from 11am to 10pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

7:30pm

Watch a Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theater

Experience traditional Vietnamese water puppetry, a fascinating and entertaining cultural performance. Shows run from 7:30pm and 8:30pm.
VND120000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on May 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast to prepare for the day’s cruise.
Included in hotel stay, 30m

8:00am

Depart for Halong Bay (approx. 3.5 hours)

Travel by car or bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay for the start of your scenic cruise.
Included in cruise package, 3h30m

12:00pm

Board Halong Bay cruise ship

Check-in and enjoy a welcome drink as you set sail among the limestone karsts on the UNESCO World Heritage site.
USD100 - 150, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch on board

Feast on fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes while cruising the stunning bay.
Included in cruise price, 1h0m

2:00pm

Kayaking and cave visit

Explore the bay by kayak or visit famous caves such as Sung Sot Cave, open until sunset.
Included, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax on sundeck and sunset watching

Enjoy sunset views with a drink on deck as the limestone islands change colors.
Included, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner on board

Savor a freshly prepared dinner featuring local cuisine with spectacular evening scenery.
Included, 1h30m

9:00pm

Overnight stay on boat

Rest in comfortable cabins while anchored among the bay's scenic beauty.
Included, Overnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Discover Hue

Hue, Vietnam on May 10, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast on cruise

Start your day with a light breakfast on board as the cruise heads back to shore.
Included, 45m

8:00am

Disembark and transfer to Hanoi Airport

Return to Hanoi to catch your flight to Hue (1h flight).
Included transport; Flight approx. USD50, 3h0m

12:00pm

Arrive in Hue and check in hotel

Settle in your centrally located accommodation.
Varies, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Enjoy French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in a charming colonial setting, open 11:30am - 9pm.
VND200000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit the Imperial City (The Citadel)

Explore the UNESCO-listed former royal palace and its grand architecture, open from 7:30am to 5:30pm.
VND150000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Boat ride on Perfume River

Experience a scenic and serene cruise along the Perfume River, taking in landmarks like Thien Mu Pagoda.
VND120000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ancient Hue

Dine on traditional royal-style Vietnamese dishes in an atmospheric setting. Open until 10pm.
VND180000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Enchanting Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Get ready for the day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 45m

8:00am

Drive from Hue to Hoi An (Approx 3h)

Travel south along the scenic Hai Van Pass to reach the charming town of Hoi An.
Private transfer approx. USD40, 3h0m

11:30am

Check in hotel in Hoi An and freshen up

Settle into your accommodation before exploring the town.
Varies, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Morning Glory

Savor authentic Central Vietnamese dishes in a lovely historic setting. Open 10am - 10pm.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Wander the lantern-lit streets, visit the Japanese Bridge, old houses, and vibrant markets. Open till 9pm.
VND120000 entry ticket for monuments, 3h0m

5:00pm

Tailor shop visit

Get custom-fitted clothes made at one of Hoi An’s renowned tailor shops for a unique souvenir.
Varies, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Enjoy riverside dining with a selection of international and Vietnamese dishes. Open until 10pm.
VND200000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Bustling Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 12, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Fuel up before your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Included, 30m

7:00am

Flight from Da Nang Airport (near Hoi An) to Ho Chi Minh City

Fly 1h15m to the vibrant southern metropolis.
Approx. USD50, 1h30m

9:00am

Check in and freshen up at hotel

Rest and prepare to explore southern Vietnam’s largest city.
Varies, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Learn about Vietnam’s history during the war period through powerful exhibits. Open 7:30am - 6pm.
VND40000, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Try southern style Pho at one of the city’s best known pho restaurants, open 6am - 10pm.
VND70000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs, handicrafts and sample local street food in this bustling market open until 7pm.
Free entry, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and Central Post Office

Admire French colonial architecture in the city center, a quick photo stop and exploration.
Free, 45m

4:00pm

Relax at Tao Dan Park

Take a break in this green oasis with local life and sculptures before dinner.
Free, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Sample a wide variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes in an atmospheric outdoor setting. Open until 10pm.
VND200000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Mekong Delta Excursion

Mekong Delta, Vietnam on May 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a full day exploring the Mekong Delta region.
Included, 30m

7:30am

Depart for Mekong Delta day tour

Travel approximately 2 hours to the Mekong Delta region for boat trips and village visits.
USD35 - 50 for full-day tour, 2h0m

9:30am

Boat ride along Mekong River canals

Explore floating markets, traditional villages and fruit orchards by boat.
Included in tour, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at local homestay

Enjoy traditional southern Vietnamese home-cooked food in a rural setting.
Included in tour, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit local markets and handicraft workshops

See local craftsmanship including coconut candy production and rice paper making.
Included, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Travel back to the city with arrival around 6pm.
Included, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden Rooftop Restaurant

Conclude your Vietnam adventure with dinner at a rooftop restaurant serving delicious Vietnamese cuisine with city views.
VND250000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability